Remember the time when the best way to get to know someone was by dialogue and courting. Today it’s easy to simply say, “Are you on Facebook, Twitter or…?” We could easily be shocked if the response to that question was a “No”.

These social networking sites are being used for updating all kinds of activities. Be it wedding, baby photos, house warming or just a night out party pictures. Man is not new to social circles and these sites are the extensions of his day to day life. The reason an online identity is created may be because of the need to be in that social circle to gain trust, to feel connected with friends from various alumni, keeping oneself updated on the latest happenings. It’s also easier for the socially shy to communicate through this pseudo wall.

The feeling of intimidation of a face to face is missing in this virtual world of chat and text. One may find that having an account has become a kind of social status and not having one may lead to ridicule and tag oneself as uncool. Why do you think that there’s been a major shift in networking site loyalties? First it was Orkut then Facebook, Twitter and now Google plus. Majority of the identities are created just to be there! Being there is the new PR (public relation) mantra. Yes, people may differ upon the comfort factor of these websites and may be active on single or multiple levels.

Updating private information such as demographics, likes and dislikes, interest in particular set of movies, books are a sign of our personality. It’s a social norm to maintain socially acceptable identities to enter a particular circle. For example, updating your like for a particular theater may help you to be added in the art circle discussions at your local club, or by just updating a picture of a guitar may lead others to associate you to music or rock music in particular. Hence, it’s an intentional effort to create an art loving or music loving identity, which may not be the real case. Virtual identities are maintained to gain confidence or liking as in the case of movie stars, music composers or celebrities. Presently, many celebs employ staff to handle their identities online to communicate with their fans and the outer world. Similarly, brands, associations, clubs, NGOs, no one is devoid of an online identity to keep in loop.

With an extra personality to handle, it becomes critical what is being shared with everyone. Online predators are a serious threat and can lead to vulnerable situations. No wonder, websites are providing stringent safety measures for information dispersal. Howsoever fake it may be, the online world has filled up many gaps and has made this world smaller. Even if you meet a friend after many years, you are updated about him and have more topics to discuss. It leads to more opportunities and an inspired living. Even a day without internet may feel like being aloof on an island.

All said and done, it is also a world of unknown. All is not real here and may just be top of the surface. It’s like interacting with a friend and not knowing him once you meet. It also leads to lack of human touch wherein we avoid meeting in person as the information provided online makes us satisfied. Sharing the right information for an accurate identity is the key to social acceptance.

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About the author: Amanda Kidd is a blogger by profession and writing on technology is one of her favorites. Her home is a perfect example of a modern house which is equipped with all the modern gadgets. She has a home network installed at her place and she is always on a look out for new technology tips.

About amandakidd

Amanda Kidd is a blogger and writer who has a special inclination towards technology. Her blogs on tech involves new gadgets and technology upcoming in the market like windows smartphone.

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